Major Technological Advances in Astronomy since Galileo

In the Augustine United Church
41 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh,
EH1 1EL
On Monday 22nd June 2009, at 7:30pm
(Following the Society's AGM which takes place at 7pm)

Four hundred years ago, Galileo Galilei looked through a rudimentary telescope and saw wonders that changed Man's understanding of the Cosmos. Since then we have learned much more about the Universe in which we live, brought about through observations provided by astronomical instrumentation, in turn driven by technology. In this short talk I will give an overview of the Universe in which we live and the major advances since the time of Galileo and how they have gone hand-in-hand with technology. I will also show how the International Year of Astronomy is celebrating the excitement of astronomy today.

Professor Robson is Director of the United Kingdom Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory Edinburgh at the Blackford Hill. He is the President of the International Astronomy Union Commission 55 - Communicating Astronomy with the Public and currently heads-up all the UK activities for IYA 2009.

Society Business

The President, Robin Harper MSP, will be in the Chair

The Society's Annual General Meeting will be held at 7pm. Only Fellows of the Society may attend and take part in this. On the conclusion of the AGM, by 7:30pm, visitors and guests will be invited to join us for Professor Robson's talk.